Aloha to Melissa West and RACING HEARTS

I was born in Kentucky ... so I happy to welcome Melissa West to SOS Aloha.  She is celebrating the release of RACING HEARTS, Book 1 in the Hamilton Stables series.

In the lush heart of Kentucky, the Hamiltons are horse racing royalty, born to produce champions. To win takes heart and soul—and to love takes the wild spirit of the land itself…

The oldest of three headstrong brothers, Trip Hamilton is considered the best horse trainer in the world. But he learned long ago to keep his focus on the horses and away from the riders. He’s seen the way heartbreak can waylay a career, and he’s determined not to risk it—until a stubborn, sexy rider thunders into his life, breaks his resolve, along with several of his rules, and takes his heart right out of the gate…

Emery Carlisle has a point to prove. She’ll be the first woman to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby, if only Trip will hire her, and let her ride the spirited colt she fell for at first sight. He won’t—unless she agrees to train with the horse at Hamilton Stables, under his guidance. It’s supposed to be strictly business, but as the race approaches, and their undeniable chemistry builds, Trip and Emery may be headed for the greatest win of all—as long as the losses of the past don’t gain on them…

Amazon

Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and YA sci-fi romance, all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn't like kissing? She lives outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction.

Connect with Melissa at melissawestauthor.com or Twitter @MB_West. For sneak peeks at upcoming titles, prizes, and more, join Mel's madhouse: facebook.com/groups/MelsMadhouse.

Kentucky's country roads in Blue Grass
Public Domain (link)

Hi there! My name is Melissa West, and I am the author of RACING HEARTS, Book 1 in the Hamilton Stables series, featuring three Southern brothers and their struggles through life and love. 

Today I wanted to share one of my favorite scenes RACING HEARTS that summarizes the three brothers perfectly. I hope you enjoy it!

“Glad to see it’s not just me who finds this awkward.” Emery started away as Trip

reached for her hand, stopping her. And damn it all to hell. Warmth spread through him, every nerve ending at full attention, attuned to the feel of her hand in his, its softness, the scab on her palm that had yet to heal. His eyes flicked down and then up to hers, and he knew he needed to pull away, but he couldn’t bring himself to let go.

“Don’t go,” he whispered. “You should meet them formally.”

“Why?” Emery asked, and despite her facade, he heard the hitch in her voice. Was she feeling what he felt? Like eight years of pent-up emotions had burst free, refusing to stay contained another second.

“Because, I—”

“Hey, brother,” Alex said, smacking Trip on the back just enough to cause him to lurch

forward into Emery, her forehead connecting with his chest.

“Ow.” She stepped back, rubbing the spot, which sent Alex into hysterics.

“Dude, you hit his chest. Not his head or even his chin. His chest. What are you, four-eight?”

Nick, the forever nice guy, reached out to her. “Are you okay?”

But her eyes were on Alex. “Five-two and a half, thank you. What are you? Five-ten instead of six-two or -three like them? I bet you needed psych sessions as a kid to boost your self-esteem, didn’t you?”

Alex grinned over at Trip. “I like her. You can keep her.”

Emery started to bark out a retort as Trip stepped between them. “All right, then, show’s over. Emery was just asking me to help her aunt lift something heavy.”

But when they all turned toward Annie-Jean’s booth, it became apparent that their little exchange had an audience. A large audience. Trip peered down the long row of booths, and every one of them had a town resident half-hanging over his or her table or just straight in the path, readying their gossip.

“Christ Almighty.” He sighed heavily and eyed his brothers. “Go, please, before they publish an article in the morning Tribune.”

Alex smirked, then spread his hands out like he was showcasing a news headline. “Sexy jockey gets it on with the Hamilton brothers. Full story on pages six and nine.”

Emery’s face lit with fresh rage. “Cute. You know, you really are a piece of—”

Trip gripped Emery’s hips and spun her around, easing her toward Annie-Jean’s booth.

“Yes, yes, he is, but you saying it out loud with Pastor Reagan in earshot won’t change it.”

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